Greenland sharks that live for up to 400 YEARS are being studied for the secret to long life
Scientists also believe the sharks could also reveal the effects of climate change
SHARKS that live for up to 392 years are being studied for the secret to long life.
Researchers are analysing the DNA from fin clippings of 100 Greenland sharks — the longest living vertebrate.
They hope to learn what determines life expectancy in different species including humans.
The study of its bones and tissues by the Arctic University of Norway may also provide clues about the effects of climate change and pollution over a long time span.
Already the researchers have mapped out all the 16ft shark's mitochondrial DNA - genetic material held in tiny battery-like bodies in cells that supply energy.
Now they are working on DNA from the cell nucleus, which contains the bulk of the animal's genes.
The "long life" genes could shed light on why most vertebrates have such a limited life span, and what determines life expectancy in different species, including humans.
Little is known about the biology and genetics of the Greenland shark, which inhabits deep water in the Atlantic ocean from Canada to Norway and is found off the coast of Scotland.
Professor Kim Praebel, who is leading the hunt, said the sharks were "living time capsules" that could help shed light on human impact on the oceans.
Many were so old they pre-dated the industrial revolution and the introduction of large-scale commercial fishing.
"The longest living vertebrate species on the planet has formed several populations in the Atlantic Ocean," said Prof Praebel, who was speaking at the University of Exeter at a symposium organised by the Fisheries Society of the British Isles.
"This is important to know, so we can develop appropriate conservation actions for this important species."